Only for the Oklahoma softball team does No. 2 in national rankings seem too low.
The Sooners moved up a spot to No. 2 in the latest ESPN / USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 for Week 2 of the 2025 college softball season. OU jumped No. 3 Florida after the Gators were upset by No. 14 Duke for their first loss of the season.
Week 2 @espn / @USASoftball Collegiate Top 25 🥎 #NCAASoftball pic.twitter.com/6UWknEvTFc
— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) February 18, 2025
These rankings ultimately don't matter, especially this early in the season, but it still seems disrespectful toward the reigning four-time national champions Sooners, who beat No. 1 Texas in the Women's College World Series final last season.
The Sooners lost a lot from that 2024 roster, which is why there's national hesitation to still consider OU the best, but they still returned all that matters in keeping the dynasty running: coach Patty Gasso.
Gasso has won eight national titles, including four in a row, while leading the Sooners for 31 seasons. As long as she's in charge, perceptions should remain the same.
And with Gasso back, there's always talent in Norman. Outfielder Ella Parker has already proven to be the best softball player in the country after winning SEC Player of the Week honors twice already in two weeks. She's leading the SEC with a .647 batting average through 10 games.
On the mound, two different Sooners have already pitched perfect games in Sam Landry and Isabella Smith. Albeit against lesser competition than usual for OU, the team has a combined 1.38 ERA.
The Sooners have started the season 10-0 after two weekend road trips to begin the season. OU run-ruled then-No. 23 Baylor twice last weekend in Waco, Texas. The Sooners needed extra innings to beat San Diego State opening weekend, but since, the Aztecs beat two top-15 teams last weekend.
The rule of thumb should be to always expect the best from the Sooners under Gasso. So until proven otherwise, consider OU the No. 1 softball team in the country, no matter what the rankings claim.